Stop the Madness: I Would Have Left Cleveland Too

Let this be a disclaimer: I have never been to Ohio, let alone Cleveland. I am not a professional athlete nor do I play one on a Tyler Perry show (no homo). That doesn't mean that the Summer of 2010 doesn't effect me. I'm a fan just like you, in a city that doesn't even have a pro team.

Let's start with the facts:

1. LeBron James is arguably one of the best 5 players in the league. Hands down. No matter where you rank him, he can't fall lower than 5. 
2. DWade is in the same category. 
3. Bosh - not so much, but still an All-Star for what its worth and very talented. We can all agree Bosh is at least one of the top 10-15 PF/C in the league. 
4. Every team in the league was trying to coax these guys into signing with their perspective teams, and rightfully so. Teams (Miami, NY, NJ, Chicago, Clippers, etc) virtually cut their entire rosters to shreds preparing for this summer two years ago.

Hey Cleveland....Stay classy.

Blame Cleveland. Cleveland did nothing to get better.  No coach. Mike Brown couldn't coach a HS team. No good players. Shaq - Hurts LeBron's ability to run. Jamison - he is who we thought he is. No young talent. No swinging for the fences free agency moves. Just simply the comfort that Delonte West would be there to leave the light on and the toilet seat up.  They played the home is where the heart is card. Bullshit. You ever been to Miami? Ever been to Florida? Stacks up pretty good to Cleveland Ohio doesn't it? Case adjourned.

LeBron - Greatness or Ultimate Teammate?

Remember when people questioned Kobe's willingness to pass the ball or trust his teammates? No...doesn't ring a bell? Or the time he wanted out of LA? Yeah - winning silences the ghosts of Christmas past doesnt it? Kobe didn't exactly campaign to get LeBron type help, but remember LA almost landed KG, and instead got Gasol. Good consolation prize huh? Once marveled at how great a teammate he was, now LeBron is the poster child for "Can't Get it Done By Himself."  My thoughts and hopefully LeBrons thoughts on that - who gives a SHIT? When did doing it by myself become the measure by which it gets done? Last time I checked, this wasn't tennis or golf, it is a team sport. I hope LeBron averages a triple double this year, which is very possible since he will have at least 2 people that can hit a shot. 

Get my Steven A. Smith on...

The fact of the matter is James, Bosh, and DWade are going to be exciting no matter how you slice it and no matter who signs for the league mininum to be on South Beach.  I still don't believe they are the best team in the league, maybe not in their own state. They have to fill out the roster, I'm not worried about playing together, they did that for a few years with the Olympics.  That being said, the East still runs through Boston, Orlando, and maybe Chicago. Teams are not just going to lay down since the Voltrons united. James did a crazy unprecedented feat by broadcasting where he signs and he did it on his terms. He signed for less money. No one commending him for that? Big friggin deal he did it on live TV. I'll let Spike sum that up. How is that different from ESPN broadcasting and having a "Sunday Conversation" on why he didnt stay in Cleveland like the olden days? The difference is nobody can wait that long anymore. People have to have the information like yesterday. Cameras have been following these guys almost as close as Brett Favre. Yeah Brett Favre - the guy we get updates that he cut his grass and had a slight limp or hurt his shoulder turning the pickle jar. Was it a good/bad decision? Nobody can answer that for the next 10 years or so, and even then their is no definitive answer. Was there a guarantee that he would win with Bulls/Knicks/Cavs? Hell no. That is what this is about right....winning? Or is this about loyalty? Loyalty to what...city of Cleveland? He was a free agent. Free agent - meaning the ability to freely sign with any other team. To Cavs organization and their out of the closet crazy owner?  Cavs new slogan "All for one and one for all"....what is this the YMCA 12 year old league? Dude is off his rocker and smokin wit cigawetts if he thinks Cavs are going to win before LeBron, especially after you try to throw the biggest star in the game under the bus. Cry me a river and go to hell and build a snowman because that ain't happening. But what does he owe Cleveland? Sure the fans are pissed - rightfully so - but come on son, ask yourself if you would have stayed? 

One thing is for sure....if they win the Championship together...that will be a hard decision on the MVP trophy.